There has been severe degradation of Icelandic ecosystems since the settlement of Iceland about 870 AD. Living conditions were harsh and existence was marginal. Soil erosion is discussed under a special sub-page, but the condition of the land is discussed under the 12th chapter of "The Soils of Iceland", which has a reference list that may be of use. Asa L. Aradottir and OA have published a book in Icelandic titled "How to read and heal the land".